
Best Summer Festivals in Ottawa
A guide to Ottawa's biggest summer festivals, from Bluesfest and the Jazz Festival to Canada Day, Dragon Boat, and free street festivals. Includes dates, ticket prices, and locations for the 2026 season.
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Go ahead and make noise during this irresistible hybrid show, part hip hop battle and part captivating autobiographical…

The place to go for winter decorations and tree shopping. Open from Nov 28 to Dec 24 everyday from 9 AM-9 PM.

Join Us for the 9th Annual No Stone Left Alone Ceremony On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the National Milita…
Enjoy free food, music, kids activities, engage with PFC and our community partners about food security, and above all H…

Celebrating 170 years, this premier agricultural exhibition features livestock shows, demolition derby, midway rides, 4-…

An all vegan, small business food and art festival! Can't make it? Not to worry, VWS will be at Parkdale one more time i…

Session 4: “Collecting and Storing your Native Plant Seeds”Welcome to the final workshop in the 4-part "Ottawa Wildflowe…

Over 50 2SLGBTQIA+ small business vendors, with entertainment in the park! Organised by Little Jo Berry's

Ottawa Valley's premier agricultural fair since 1946, featuring demolition derby, livestock shows, truck and tractor pul…
Annual ceremony at the Celtic Cross monument honouring Irish immigrants who helped build the Rideau Canal, hosted by the…

The world's largest touring inflatable park featuring a massive bouncy castle, obstacle courses, slides, and more. Multi…

An all vegan, small business food and art festival! Can't make it? Not to worry, VWS will be at Parkdale again in Septem…

Don’t miss this spectacular salute to the supergroup of all supergroups, The Traveling Wilburys: George Harrison, Tom Pe…

Odyssey Theatre's 40th season of Theatre Under The Stars presents Mirandolina.

## Sunday, July 19, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **The Guess Who** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stage…

## Saturday, July 18, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **Gwen Stefani** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stag…

## Friday, July 17, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **Ella Langley** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stage…

## Thursday, July 16, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **Lord Huron** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stage…

## Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **Conan Gray** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stage…

Join us at the Carp Branch for an evening of creativity and fun! This month is book bricks! Bring your love of literatur…

## Sunday, July 12, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **The Lumineers** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stage…

## Saturday, July 11, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **HARDY** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stage ####…

The world's largest one-day volleyball tournament returns to Mooney's Bay with thousands of players, live concerts, food…

## Friday, July 10, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **Limp Bizkit** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stage #…

## Thursday, July 9, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at LeBreton Flats. Headliner: **Cody Johnson** on RBC Stage. ### RBC Stage…

Come join us on Sunday mornings for community yoga practice in Parkdale Park with instructors from PranaShanti Yoga Cent…

Embark on a spooky adventure with us as we invite you to join our moonlight walk around the mysterious Mackenzie King Es…

The stage is set! Broadway Bound Youth Musical Theatre (BBYMT) presents a high-energy musical number featuring local you…

Canada's national birthday celebration across four official sites: LeBreton Flats Park, Parliament Hill, the Supreme Cou…

Celebrate Canada Day with a trip back to the 80s in the Concert Zone on York Street, from 7 to 11 p.m. Relive the 80s in…

## Sunday, June 28, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **Ibrahim Maalouf** on OLG Main Stage. ##…

## Saturday, June 27, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **St. Vincent & The NAC Orchestra** on…

Guinness World Record-holding inflatable amusement park spanning 3 acres with over 50,000 sq ft of interconnected bounci…

## Friday, June 26, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **WILLOW** on OLG Main Stage. ### OLG Mai…

An all vegan, small business food and art festival! Can't make it? Not to worry, VWS will be at Parkdale again in July,…

Canada's largest EDM festival featuring Tiësto, FISHER, GRiZ, SLANDER and more over three days in Ottawa.

## Thursday, June 25, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **DOMi & JD Beck** on OLG Main Stage. #…

Over the course of this workshop, Editor Andy Park will explore some approaches to doing a big-picture edit of your work…

## Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **GALACTIC featuring Jelly Joseph** on…

## Sunday, June 21, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **Hiromi’s Sonicwonder** on OLG Main Stag…

All revved up and ready to go! Celebrate Father’s Day on York Street West with a day of classic cars, family fun, and do…

## Saturday, June 20, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer O…

Celebrate Indigenous cultures with a Competition Pow Wow, drone show, live performances, Indigenous marketplace, culinar…
An annual renaissance insprired event hosted at Parkdale Market! Vintage and craft shopping, costumes, and ye olde enter…

## Friday, June 19, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **BADBADNOTGOOD** on OLG Main Stage. ###…

North America's largest dragon boat festival featuring three days of racing on the Rideau River, live concerts, family a…

## Thursday, June 18, 2026 Lineup Daily lineup at Confederation Park. Headliner: **Wyclef Jean** on OLG Main Stage. ###…

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM | National Military Cemetery, Beechwood Cemetery. Beechwood Cemetery, the National Ce…

Italian Week Ottawa is excited to partner with four prominent and local “pizzerie” for this guided Pizza Crawl through t…

Swap heathy seedlings or well rooted cuttings with other Rosemount gardeners.Drop-in program.Échangez vos jeunes plantes…

Music, art, crafts, local food, poetry and more is represented throughout the full day event. ArtsPark is a community dr…

Ottawa's largest yoga and wellness festival featuring workshops, meditation sessions, and classes for all experience lev…

The 2026 CFL season kicks off at TD Place with the Redblacks' first Saturday night home opener since 2021, marking a new…

Immerse yourself in the lively music, arts, dance, food, culture and heritage of Brazil with Saravah! Join Saravah Brazi…

Best Gardening PracticesThe Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library willpresent best gardening practices tomaximize your ecologi…

Explore 89 fascinating buildings and sites across Ottawa for free during Doors Open Ottawa 2026, part of the 25th annive…

Step back in time and explore the rich history of the ByWard Market District! Join our Market Ambassadors for guided tou…

Craft beer, great food, live music, and good times with friends at a lively outdoor festival.

A vibrant weekly event transforms Wednesday nights into lively community gathering where folks can enjoy the evening wit…

The National Arts Centre (NAC) in collaboration with Blurring The Boundaries Arts (BTBA), the Research Centre for Music,…

Sign up here! Walking through the western half of Beechwood Cemetery is like walking through the history of early Canada…

Introducing “Hidden Ottawa” – the new light-hearted walking tour from the creators of The Haunted Walk that’s gonna have…

A family-friendly medieval and renaissance festival featuring live music, stage shows, interactive characters, and renai…

Annual night market in Ottawa Chinatown featuring Asian street food, live performances, and artisanal goods over three d…

Canada's largest dressage show! Watch Team Canada riders compete, as well as tomorrow's future stars

Bring some plants… take some plants! Chat with other avid gardeners and pick up a few books. Please don't forget to la…

**Please note that the Wednesday, March 25th session is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.** An open house f…

The eastern half of Beechwood Cemetery is rich with cultural and military history. Participants will visit some of the c…

Are you a writer or author looking to learn more about the indie publishing process? Join author N.G. Avant for this mon…

Join the community at Orleans Blooms for a day of local vendors, gardening talks, kids' activities, and a BBQ, all in su…

Ottawa's largest community garage sale since 1986. Hundreds of Glebe residents sell from their front lawns, driveways, a…

Canada's largest running festival featuring marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and 2K races on an ultra-flat, ultra-fast…

Annual BBQ rib and poutine festival in Kanata featuring top ribbers, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Join us at Rockcliffe Park branch for a warm cuppa as we celebrate International Tea Day! Lee Jolliffe, academic and spe…

Looking for your next great read?As a personal challenge, Bob Sauvé, a Rockcliffe Park regular, is reading “feel good” b…

Join us at the Carp Branch for an evening of creativity and fun! This month is rock painting! Paint a fun design, create…

Join CWGC and Beechwood Cemetery for a free guided tour honouring War Graves Week. Learn about the servicemembers who di…

Witamy! The Ottawa Polish Fest is back for 2026 in the ByWard Market District. Hosted by the Polish Heritage Foundation…

It's about to go down! You know how it is with Th3rd Fridays by Moov Ottawa Dance: high-energy dance battles, fierce per…

Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutine brings ribs, BBQ, poutine, a Kid Zone, and live music to Clarke Fields Park over the long…

Welcome to the third workshop in the 4-part "Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library (OWSL) Presents..." series! Come learn the t…

Modge podge a decorative patio lantern using a mason jar, tissue paper, flowers and leaves. Perfect for your outdoor eve…

Join us for gardening club, all are welcome and no experience necessary!Second Tuesday of every month.March 10, April 14…

Adults are invited to get creative and make rock art. Your creations can be used as paperweights or displayed in your ga…

Join us at Sunnyside for our monthly film screening every second Monday of the month.Monday May 11th at 6:15pm -About Ti…

Parkdale Market opens for its 102nd season on Friday May 1st! Join us for our official launch on Mother's Day weekend.

This is not a ghost tour. It is a guided paranormal investigation, and YOU are part of it. Over two hours, we’ll explore…

Join us on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ottawa’s supernatural past as we explore the Bytown Museum. Prepar…

Discover the hidden stories and fascinating history of Ottawa’s most famous castle, the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier.…

The world's largest free tulip festival featuring over 300,000 tulips blooming along the Rideau Canal, with displays acr…

Share the enjoyment of good books in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for discussions on the first Thursday of every month…

An open house for persons with dementia, their care partners and families. Fun and stimulating mental activities are pla…

Ottawa Bad Movie Nights and Ottawa Public Library present a screening of Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987).Please joi…

Come meet 1 on 1 with Social Prescriber Maddie from the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC). A social presc…

Some stories can only be told at night! Be captivated by our friendly and talented storytellers, each wearing one of our…

The Rockcliffe Park Book Club gathers to enjoy and discuss a wide variety of books selected by book club members. Please…

Bring your knitting or crochet project and share advice, ideas and conversations with fellow enthusiasts. For participan…

Every two weeks, starting April 21st, from 1-3PM, the Rockcliffe Park branch will be hosting a American Mahjong group. R…

**Please note that the Monday, January 5th session is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.** An open house for…

The Parkdale Public Market's 102nd season kicks off in May! Join us for a vibrant debut of spring produce, stunning farm…

Join the CAA North & East Ontario Brand Ambassadors at CN Cycle for CHEO and visit the CAA kiosk for a free prize while…

Bring some plants… take some plants!Chat with other avid gardeners and pick up a few books.Amenez vos plantes et reparte…

Come meet 1 on 1 with Social Prescriber Maddie from the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC). A social presc…

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ottawa's ultimate poutine celebration with over 30 vendors serving creative takes on C…

Where curiosity powers up! Dive into circuits, robots, coding, and creative invention! Hands-on fun that lights up young…

Join us at Rockcliffe Park Branch every Thursday from 3PM to 4:30PM for a different self-directed pop up activity in eit…

A school readiness program for children 3–4 years old, who will be entering kindergarten in Fall 2026, and their adult c…

Come meet 1 on 1 with Social Prescriber Maddie from the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC). A social presc…

Atlético Ottawa hosts Vancouver FC at TD Place in Canadian Premier League action.

This free weekend show showcases gear, products, trips, and presentations for paddling, camping, adventure travel, and f…

Orléans PoutineFest marks the kickoff to spring in Orléans with more than 75 kinds of poutine at Centrum Plaza.

A free Centretown community gathering in Dundonald Park with family activities, performances, environmental outreach, an…

Family-friendly Easter celebration at Billings Estate with egg hunts, crafts, a petting zoo, and a visit from the Easter…

Celebrate spring at Cumberland Heritage Village with an Easter Bunny visit, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, and hands-on fa…

Easter weekend celebration featuring forest egg hunt, sugarbush tours, wagon rides, animal visits with bunnies, and play…

Celebrate spring at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum with newborn animals, chocolate tastings, egg demonstrations,…

Annual Easter egg hunt over four days featuring farm animals, egg hunting activities, and springtime fun. Online reserva…

Celebrate the 41st year of Ottawa's beloved sugar festival at Canada's only urban sugar shack, featuring maple taffy, li…

Hop aboard a tractor-drawn wagon for a ride to the sugarbush to hunt for lost Easter eggs at Stanley's Olde Maple Lane F…

Ottawa's St. Patrick's Day Parade returns to celebrate the Bicentennial of Bytown with a new route that frames the city'…

Family-friendly maple season celebration featuring pancake house, sugar bush tours, wagon rides, petting farm, and maple…

Experience traditional maple season at this heritage working farm with sugarbush tours, tractor rides, maple taffy, anim…

Experience a sixth-generation family sugar bush with sleigh rides, maple taffy, walking trails, campfires, and certified…

The world's coldest music festival returns to Gatineau with headliners Steve Aoki, Kaskade, and BUNT. during Winterlude…
A free outdoor winter festival at the Governor General's residence featuring skating, live music, embassy activities, bo…

Special evening events for teenagers and young adults at Snowflake Kingdom, featuring DJs, illuminated attractions, tube…

Watch world-class freestyle snowmobilers soar up to 40 feet in the air during this Winterlude weekend event in the heart…

Local and diverse DJs perform vibrant sets on Sparks Street during Winterlude. Pause, warm up, and dance along on festiv…

Gatineau's winter wonderland featuring tube slides, snow mazes, obstacle courses, live performances, and family fun at J…

Experience ice sculptures, ice carving competitions, sound and light shows, fitness classes, and more at this official W…
Free public skating at Rideau Hall's refrigerated historic rink, established 1872. Restored heritage Winter Pavilion. We…

Year-round pancake house and maple experience featuring sugar bush tours, two museums, maple products, and seasonal acti…

Skate on the world's largest skating rink – a 7.8 km stretch of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the he…

Kick off the festive season with evergreen trees, dazzling decor, and holiday cheer at the annual Holiday Market!

The National Remembrance Day Ceremony honouring Canadian veterans and fallen soldiers, featuring dignitaries, two minute…

Come trick or treat with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at Ottawa City Hall! Witches and reapers guard the entrance as visitors ex…

Spooky afternoon of free treats, trick-or-treating, costume contest, and free pumpkin giveaway! Community resources avai…

Westboro Village's annual trick-or-treating event with support from Real Canadian Superstore. Get extra use out of those…

A spooktacular, dog- and family-friendly Halloween event with costumes, games, vendors and support for local rescues!

Annual family-friendly Halloween neighbourhood event with music, kids activities, free yoga class, and pumpkin giveaway…
Free pop-up performances showcasing classical Indian dances (Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam) at the National Arts Centre, c…

Fun for the whole family at historic Watson's Mill! Tours, scavenger hunt, games, crafts, horse & wagon rides, and final…

Find five spooky buds hidden in Westboro Village business windows from October 10-31 for a chance to win one of ten ghou…

Experience a nighttime walk through over 9,000 hand-carved illuminated pumpkins at this spectacular fall event running s…

Celebrating 169 years, this premier agricultural exhibition features livestock shows, demolition derby, midway rides, 4-…
Interactive map showing the best Halloween decorations and haunted houses across Ottawa and Gatineau. Add your own decor…

Eastern Ontario's Most Terrifying Halloween attraction! 33rd year featuring spooky wagon ride, House of Terror, Spooky V…

Ottawa's favourite immersive Halloween destination with 7 haunted attractions, street theatre, live shows, and heart-pou…

31st annual PumpkinFest transforms the farm into a giant Halloween playground! Face painting, mazes, petting farm, wagon…

Ottawa's favourite fall family destination featuring pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, mazes, live shows, wagon ride…

A heritage barn packed with beautiful handmade goods from around the world. Features live music, delicious food, lawn ga…

35+ local vendors offering fresh seasonal produce, meat & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, and crafts. Everything pro…

60+ local vendors in beautiful Byron Linear Park! Fresh seasonal produce, meat & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, cra…

Local growers bring seasonal blooms to the vibrant Hintonburgh neighbourhood. Browse colourful, fragrant flower stalls a…

The largest go-kart facility near Ottawa with two outdoor tracks totalling over 1 km. Super karts reach 70 km/h. Open seasonally from mid-April to early November.

A waterfront park on the Ottawa River in Nepean, featuring a splash pad with pirate ship play structure, bandshell for summer concerts, scenic ponds with fountains, and a direct connection to the Ottawa River cycling pathway. Free admission and parking.

An adventure park in Val-des-Monts featuring the largest tourist cave on the Canadian Shield, aerial treetop courses, ziplines over a turquoise lake, and North America's largest outdoor trampolines. About 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa.

Guided wine and cider tours in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. 7-hour tours with minibus, 3 vineyard stops, 11+ tastings, and food. $160 per person with hotel pickup.

A small island park on the Ottawa River near the Champlain Bridge, popular for kayaking, river surfing, fishing, and watching the Champlain Rapids.

Beechwood Cemetery is Ottawa's National Cemetery of Canada offering funeral, cremation, and burial services since 1873. Home to Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) plots with 95 WWI and 143 WWII war graves, the National Military Cemetery, and the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery.

A charming neighbourhood farmers' market in New Edinburgh Park, near Rideau Hall. Small, curated selection of local produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.

A seasonal outdoor afternoon tea (May–August) on the lawn of Ottawa's oldest wooden mansion, with Victorian-costumed servers and museum admission included at $21.95.

One of Ontario's most iconic parks, featuring the 100-metre Mazinaw Rock with over 260 Indigenous pictographs — a National Historic Site. 530 campsites, three beaches, 40 km of trails, and canoe-in backcountry camping on Mazinaw Lake, Ontario's third deepest. About 2 hours 45 minutes from Ottawa.

A guided underground cave system near Eganville, Ontario, about 1.5 hours west of Ottawa. Formed over 500 million years ago on the floor of a tropical sea, the caves feature ancient fossils, stalactites, and unique rock formations. Tours run approximately one hour, departing every 20-30 minutes. Open Victoria Day weekend through Thanksgiving weekend.

A family favourite in the Ottawa Valley with a shallow sandy beach on Round Lake, calm Bonnechere River paddling, and a radio-free campground. 129 sites plus rustic cabins and a cottage. Known for its accessible trails, oxbow lake wildlife viewing, and relaxed atmosphere. About 2 hours from Ottawa. Open May to October.

A sandy Ottawa River beach with supervised swimming, connected to the 60-hectare Mud Lake Conservation Area — one of Canada's premier birding sites with 248+ species recorded. Free admission and parking.

Ottawa's most popular off-leash dog park — a large, fenced area with wooded trails, open grasslands, and a community atmosphere. Part of the NCC Greenbelt trail system.

One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, established in 1826. Home to over 600 businesses including restaurants, boutiques, and a year-round indoor market with seasonal outdoor vendors.

Canada's largest waterpark, located 30 minutes east of Ottawa in Limoges. Features 35+ water slides, the country's largest wave pool, two lazy rivers, three kids' areas, and the Summit Tower — the tallest freestanding slide tower in Canada. Open mid-June to early September.

A year-round outdoor adventure resort in Chelsea, Quebec, just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Home to 23 ski runs, a 1.5 km Peak to Peak zipline, a mountain pipe coaster, aerial park, and 20+ km of mountain biking trails.

A working farm in the heart of Ottawa, part of the Central Experimental Farm. Home to cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. Especially popular in spring when baby animals are born. Free daily admission 4-5 PM.

One of the largest producer-based farmers' markets in Eastern Ontario, drawing 80+ vendors every Saturday from May through October.

A 427-hectare National Historic Site in the heart of Ottawa, home to ornamental gardens, a free tropical greenhouse, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Active agricultural research farm since 1886 with year-round free access to grounds.

A 2,596-hectare Canadian Shield park about 90 minutes south of Ottawa. 236 campsites across four campgrounds, yurts, and backcountry canoe-in sites. The Blue Mountain Trail reaches the highest point in Leeds & Grenville County with views to the Adirondacks. Known for fishing, rocky outcrops, and rich biodiversity. Open mid-May to mid-October.

A riverside park in Gloucester with a covered BBQ gazebo, splash pad, basketball court, playground, soccer fields, and a viewing deck overlooking the Rideau River. Free admission and two parking lots.

The home of the Canadian Tulip Festival, with over 300,000 tulips across 26 flower beds along the shore of Dow's Lake. Free to visit year-round.

A 2.6-hectare downtown park adjacent to the Rideau Canal, home to Winterlude's Crystal Garden with ice sculptures and winter activities. In summer, it hosts the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Features a historic fountain from London's Trafalgar Square and a 20-metre Kwakiutl totem pole.

One of Ottawa's largest off-leash dog parks with 5 km of wooded trails through dense forest. Unfenced but spacious — perfect for dogs with good recall who love exploring.

A 26-hectare arboretum on the Central Experimental Farm, home to over 1,700 species of trees and shrubs. Free to visit, with scenic lookouts over Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal. Connected to the canal pathway network.

A waterfront pavilion on Dow's Lake offering boat rentals in summer, skate rentals in winter, and lakeside dining year-round. A key Tulip Festival site in spring and a gateway to the Rideau Canal Skateway in winter.

One of the closest provincial parks to downtown Ottawa, about 40 minutes west at the confluence of the Carp River and Ottawa River. 235 campsites across two campgrounds, two sandy beaches, hiking trails through glacial landforms, and a 300-year-old bur oak stand. Open mid-May to mid-October.

A 361-square-kilometre conservation park just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Home to over 165 km of hiking trails, beaches, lakes, and the Mackenzie King Estate. Free to enter; parking fees apply at some lots in summer.

A series of 18-metre waterfalls on the Rideau River, created during the construction of the Rideau Canal in the 1830s. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal system, with locks, walking trails, and picnic areas. Spectacular frozen ice formations in winter.

A 22-hectare waterfront park in Gatineau across the river from Parliament Hill, home to Winterlude's Snowflake Kingdom — North America's largest snow playground. A major venue for Canada Day celebrations with views of the Ottawa skyline and fireworks.

A mixed-use urban park in The Glebe featuring the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, TD Place stadium and arena, the Ottawa Farmers' Market, shops, restaurants, and public green spaces along the Rideau Canal.

A 1 km outdoor karting circuit with nearly 50 years of history. Home to the Ottawa Gatineau Karting Championship. Freshly repaved for 2026 with new rental karts.

A downtown park overlooking the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and the Rideau Canal locks. One of Ottawa's best spots for spring tulips, summer festivals, and views of the city's landmarks. Free and open daily.

A 3,500-hectare conservation area in Ottawa's Greenbelt featuring a boreal bog ecosystem normally found much farther north. The 1.2 km boardwalk trail crosses a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, home to carnivorous plants, orchids, and spotted turtles. Free admission and parking.

Award-winning farmers' market south of Ottawa, voted Best Farmers' Market in the Ottawa Awards six years in a row. Features local produce, meats, baked goods, and seasonal events.

One of Ottawa's most popular parks, combining a supervised sandy beach on the Rideau River with one of Canada's largest playgrounds, an international-standard athletic facility, and winter cross-country skiing. Free admission.

A 1,239-hectare park on Big Rideau Lake, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. Home to the Silver Queen Mine — the only publicly accessible mica mine tour in Ontario Parks. About 90 minutes from Ottawa with car camping, beaches, hiking trails, and pioneer heritage sites. Open mid-May to mid-October.

Canada's national monument honouring those who have served and died in all conflicts, centred on a 16-metre granite arch with 22 bronze figures by sculptor Vernon March. Unveiled by King George VI in 1939, it includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (added 2000). Sentries stand guard daily from April to November.

Hawaiian-style floating tiki bar on the Ottawa River. 90-minute cruises with Parliament Hill views, a licensed bar, and private charter options.

The only SEPAQ national park in the Outaouais region, about an hour east of Ottawa on a series of islands in the Ottawa River. A birdwatcher's paradise with 250+ species — the highest count in Quebec's national park network. Floating boardwalk trails, 150 campsites, ready-to-camp units, and yurts. Open late April to mid-October.

A 2,200-acre drive-through wildlife park in Montebello, Quebec, about an hour east of Ottawa. Home to over 60 species of North American animals including wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose, and caribou. Open every day of the year.

A historic outdoor public market in Hintonburg, operating since 1924. Known for fresh produce, flowers, and a popular Wednesday Night Market in summer.

Canada's seat of federal government and a National Historic Site, featuring the iconic Peace Tower, the Centennial Flame, and free guided tours of the West Block and Senate. Centre Block is closed for renovation until the early 2030s.

A 291-hectare island with two Ottawa River beaches, over 7 km of nature trails, and Class 1 wetlands with 450+ plant species and 130+ bird species. Kayak rentals available in summer, ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter.

A scenic park along the Ottawa River known for its balanced rock sculptures by artist John Felice Ceprano, panoramic river views, and year-round outdoor activities including the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail.

A 1,600 km² wildlife reserve about an hour north of Ottawa with 763 lakes, lake-to-lake canoe circuits, lakeside camping, and fully equipped cottages. Quebec's most southerly wildlife reserve and the closest to Ottawa. No daily access fee. Open late May to mid-September for camping.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. Perfect for walks, cycling, and boating in summer.

Twin 11-metre waterfalls where the Rideau River drops into the Ottawa River, divided by the 12-acre Green Island. The falls gave the Rideau River its name — Samuel de Champlain thought they resembled a curtain (rideau in French). Free to visit year-round with walking paths, monuments, and river views.

The official residence of the Governor General of Canada, set on 32 hectares of gardens, forests, and grounds in Rockcliffe. Free guided tours of the state rooms are available, and the grounds are open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Features a greenhouse, picnic area, playground, and winter skating rink.

The closest Ontario provincial park to downtown Ottawa, just 40 minutes south on the historic Rideau River. 186 campsites across two campgrounds, sandy beaches, canoe and kayak rentals, and a pet-friendly loop. Open May to October.

A 100-acre outdoor event destination south of Ottawa with orchard, sugar bush, a 3km skating trail, and seasonal live music events in a historic log lodge.

A panoramic lookout over the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills in the historic village of Rockcliffe Park, designated a National Historic Site in 2023. The adjacent Rockcliffe Rockeries bloom with daffodils and flowering trees in May. Connected to the Ottawa River Pathway.

A 100-acre award-winning family farm in Munster featuring the world's largest collection of hedge mazes, seasonal events including PumpkinFest, FrightFest, and A Country Christmas, plus summer activities and a spring tulip festival.

A two-lake park about 100 minutes southwest of Ottawa, known for excellent fishing — walleye, bass, pike, and trout across Sharbot Lake and Black Lake. 176 campsites across four campgrounds, a sandy beach, canoe rentals, and laundry facilities. Pet-friendly throughout. Open late May to mid-October.

A quiet, smaller park on a clear lake about 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa. 146 campsites across three campgrounds, two sandy beaches, and canoe/kayak/SUP rentals. A hidden gem known for great swimming and a relaxed atmosphere. Open late May to mid-October.

Canada's first permanent pedestrian mall, established in 1967. The car-free promenade stretches four blocks between Elgin and Lyon streets, one block south of Parliament Hill. Features heritage buildings, restaurant patios, and summer festivals including the Ottawa International Buskerfest.

The most ecologically diverse sector of Ottawa's NCC Greenbelt, with over 40 km of trails through wetlands, forests, beaver ponds, and an abandoned quarry. Features the popular Jack Pine Trail with boardwalks and the off-leash Bruce Pit dog area. Free admission and parking.

A 6-hectare riverside park in Sandy Hill on the banks of the Rideau River. Features the Lord Strathcona Fountain (1909), a popular playground, summer wading pool, Odyssey Theatre performances, and the Adàwe Crossing bridge connecting to Overbrook. Free year-round.

Ottawa's historic outdoor stadium at Lansdowne Park, home to the Ottawa Redblacks (CFL), Atlético Ottawa (CPL), and Ottawa 67's (OHL). The 24,000-seat venue has hosted Grey Cups, FIFA Women's World Cup matches, and outdoor NHL games. Located in The Glebe on the Rideau Canal.

Ottawa's only party bike. Pedal through the Glebe or Hintonburg with up to 14 friends, stopping at 3 bars over 2 hours with a dedicated Party Pilot.

Ottawa's only year-round go-kart track with a 440-metre indoor/outdoor circuit. Sodi RT8 gas karts reach up to 70 km/h. Open to ages 8 and up.

A 49-hectare federal government campus being transformed into a mixed-use neighborhood with parks, housing, and transit. Home to Tunney's Pasture LRT station on the Confederation Line.

One of Canada's largest living-history museums, transporting visitors to an 1860s rural Ontario village with over 40 heritage buildings, costumed interpreters, working mills, and artisan demonstrations. About one hour south of Ottawa in Morrisburg.

A 28.9-hectare riverside park along the Rideau River, popular for picnics, barbecues, and family outings. Features sheltered picnic areas with electrical hook-ups, a playground, wading pool, and direct connection to the Capital Pathway cycling network.

A large riverside park stretching 5.6 km along the Ottawa River with 416 campsites, four beaches, and two boat launches. One of the biggest campgrounds near Ottawa with plenty of availability. About 75 minutes east of downtown. Open mid-May to mid-October.

One of Kanata's largest parks featuring BBQ grills with picnic tables, two playgrounds, a splash pad, skatepark, toboggan hill, and a 2.6 km walking trail loop around a scenic pond. Free admission and parking.

An urban campground in Ottawa's Greenbelt, 20 minutes from downtown. Offers RV sites, tent sites, and cedar cabin glamping with showers, Wi-Fi, and trail access. Pets welcome. Open May to October.

Ottawa's most popular urban beach on the Ottawa River, with supervised swimming, sandy shoreline, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a year-round restaurant.

The Ottawa Farmers' Market organization's second-largest location, with 60+ producer-only vendors in the tree-shaded Byron Linear Park every Saturday.

A guide to Ottawa's biggest summer festivals, from Bluesfest and the Jazz Festival to Canada Day, Dragon Boat, and free street festivals. Includes dates, ticket prices, and locations for the 2026 season.

The best rock climbing in Ottawa — indoor bouldering gyms, full-service climbing gyms with lead routes, and outdoor crags at Calabogie and Gatineau Park. Where to climb, what it costs, and what you need to start.

The best easy hiking trails in Ottawa for beginners, families, and anyone wanting a short nature walk. Flat boardwalks, wheelchair-accessible trails, and shaded forest loops under 5km — all within 30 minutes of downtown.

The best family-friendly summer activities in Ottawa, from splash pads and outdoor pools to waterparks, aerial adventures, and day trips. Includes swimming spots, free activities, and rainy-day options.

The best family-friendly activities in Ottawa for spring, from baby animals and maple farms to trampoline parks and wildlife safaris. Includes indoor and outdoor options for all ages.

A complete guide to parks with barbecue facilities in Ottawa, including City and NCC parks with BBQ pits, rules and regulations, permit info, and tips for a great outdoor cookout.

A detailed comparison of Bruce Pit and Conroy Pit — Ottawa's two most popular off-leash dog parks. Trail maps, features, tips, and which one is right for your dog.

Ottawa has 9 fenced dog parks where your dog can run off-leash in a secure, enclosed area. Here is every fenced dog park with rules, locations, and directions.

The complete guide to all 153 off-leash dog parks in Ottawa. Find where your dog can run free — organized by neighborhood, with water access info and park rules.

The complete guide to Easter weekend 2026 in Ottawa — egg hunts, farm visits, museum activities, and things to do with the family over the April long weekend.

The complete guide to every Easter egg hunt in Ottawa for 2026. Compare dates, prices, age groups, and what to expect — from farm hunts to museum scavenger hunts to free community events.

A guide to the best campgrounds and provincial parks within two to three hours of Ottawa, covering Ontario Parks, Sepaq, and unique glamping experiences.

A guide to celebrating Canada Day in the national capital. Covers the LeBreton Flats main stage, Parliament Hill events, fireworks, free museums, and practical tips for July 1.

A guide to the Victoria Day long weekend in Ottawa. Covers the Tulip Festival overlap, fireworks, outdoor season openings, and what's open and closed on the May holiday Monday.

A guide to Ottawa's best picnic parks with details on tables, BBQ pits, shelters, washrooms, and parking. Includes the key rules on barbecues and alcohol in city and NCC parks.

A guide to Ottawa's best viewpoints and scenic lookouts, from clifftop panoramas over the Ottawa River to elevated urban vantage points of Parliament Hill. All free to visit.

A guide to the best day trips within two hours of Ottawa, from charming small towns and living history villages to wildlife safaris and waterfall lookouts.

A guide to Ottawa's best off-leash dog parks, dog-friendly trails, swimming spots, and pet events. Includes leash law details for both City of Ottawa and NCC land.

A guide to Ottawa's best beaches and water activities, from four supervised city beaches to paddling on the Rideau Canal and whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River. Includes rental prices and season dates.

A guide to the best hiking trails in and around Ottawa, from Gatineau Park's escarpment lookouts to a boardwalk through a boreal bog. Includes distances, difficulty, and seasonal tips.

A guide to Ottawa's sports venues and the 8 professional and semi-professional teams that call the city home, from NHL hockey at Canadian Tire Centre to soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and women's hockey at TD Place.

A guide to the best spots for fall foliage in Ottawa, from Gatineau Park's iconic lookouts to a boreal bog that turns deep red. Plus pumpkin patches, apple picking, and autumn events.

A complete guide to Winterlude, Ottawa's signature winter festival. Covers the Rideau Canal Skateway, Crystal Garden ice sculptures, Snowflake Kingdom snow playground, and practical tips for staying warm.

A guide to the best cycling trails and pathways in Ottawa, from the Rideau Canal corridor to car-free parkways in Gatineau Park. Includes distances, difficulty, and rental info.

A guide to the best parks and outdoor spaces in Ottawa, from a 361 km² conservation park to downtown green spaces with Parliament Hill views. All free to visit.

A guide to the best farmers' markets in Ottawa, from the year-round Lansdowne market to neighbourhood markets across the city. Includes locations, days, hours, and what to expect.

A month-by-month guide to the best spring activities in Ottawa, from maple sugar season and cherry blossoms to the Canadian Tulip Festival. Covers March through May.

A guide to the best kid-friendly activities in Ottawa, from dinosaur museums and working farms to hands-on science exhibits and free outdoor spaces. Includes ages, prices, and tips for families.

A guide to the best free things to do in Ottawa, from national museums with free admission windows to parks, markets, and landmarks that cost nothing to visit.

Everything you need to know about the Canadian Tulip Festival — from the best spots to see tulips to the history behind one of Ottawa's most iconic spring traditions.

From family-friendly farms to a free urban sugar shack, here are the best sugar bushes around Ottawa to visit during the 2026 maple season.

A guide to outdoor skating in Ottawa, from the 7.8 km Rideau Canal Skateway to refrigerated rinks, free skating at Rideau Hall, and forest skating trails. Includes rental prices, hours, and season dates.

A guide to Halloween in Ottawa, from the Haunted Walk and Saunders Farm FrightFest to family trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, and the best decorated neighbourhoods.

A guide to the best pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall harvest farms near Ottawa. From free farm visits to multi-acre corn mazes and haunted attractions, with prices, directions, and what to expect at each.

A guide to Thanksgiving weekend in Ottawa. Covers fall colours at their peak, harvest farms, restaurants serving turkey dinner, farmers markets, and what's open over the long weekend.